I favour creative surface embroidery for its freedom of form and flexibility when it comes to stitch innovation. I’ve used more than 120 embroidery stitches so far in my designs, evidence in itself of my fascination with stitch structure and how they can be used and modified to create contemporary designs.

“So many stitches are beautiful and interesting to work that the embroideress who is prepared to abandon the unimaginative use of stem, chain, satin and petit point will soon find how richly she is rewarded.” – Barbara Snook, author of Embroidery Stitches (Batsford, 1963)

Barbara skinner

Barbara Skinner picked up a needle and thread at a young age, won the needlework prize in her final year of high school and has taken classes in and taught herself everything from goldwork to blackwork, stump work to crewel work. She is particularly adept at creative surface embroidery.

She is an experienced hand quilter, piecing quilts by hand and machine, as well as an accomplished dressmaker and home sewer, knitter and crocheter.

Barbara has worked behind the scenes for years, helping embroider and sew photography samples and acting as a sounding board. She has a wealth of needlework knowledge and expertise, and is available for workshops in Dullstroom (get in touch for more info).